Cara Simone Bader
Language Arts Department Chair
Dean of Faculty
Undergraduate Degree
- B.A. English, St. Michael's College
Graduate Degree, concentration
- M.A. English Literature, University of Vermont
Activities in college, athletics, extracurricular:
- Cross Country team
Honors or Awards received
- 3.5 overall GPA at St. Michael's, 3.9 in my concentration (cum laude).
- Received a two-year Teaching Fellowship at the University of Vermont.
- Writing Center Tutor, St. Michael's College.
Best VCS moment
There are so many! Here are a few: reaching the summit of Noonmark Mountain January 1998; incredible teamwork led to a spectacular view of the snowcapped Adirondack Mountains. Sitting behind the curtain at each of our theater productions at Contois Auditorium. Our students take rehearsals, a script, and a set and create an experience that transports and dazzles the audience. Every year! Listening to the students read their poems, stories, and essays at the Evening of Student Readings. I've witnessed the process of revision, so I am not surprised by the high quality of their work. However it is exciting to watch the students make their work public and enjoy the recognition.
Inspirational Quote
"No" - Rosa Parks
Interests and Hobbies
- Running (I completed the 2000 Burlington City Marathon), knitting, watching movies, especially Jane Austen adaptations, listening to music and gardening.
I bring a variety of experiences to my classes at the Vermont Commons School. After working odd jobs in my hometown on Long Island, I moved to Vermont in 1986 and applied to St. Michael's College where I thrived academically. After owning and running a small business on Church Street in Burlington, I returned to school to complete the MA program in English Literature at the University of Vermont as a teaching fellow. My greatest accomplishments involve my students. Whether on the stage or page, I have watched students who take risks accomplish more than they realized they could. I am now also devoted to watching my daughter, Giovanna, and my son, Cole, take risks and grow as they venture out into the world.